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Press Releases

Press Releases

Keep up to date on everything happening in Downstate Illinois. For help connecting with media contacts for events, reach out and we will facilitate to the best of our abilities!

Bond County Fourth Fest 2025: A Star Spangled Celebration with Exciting Music Guests

Tim Heggemeier to Speak at Kaskaskia Bell for Independence Day Celebration

Heritage Days 2025: Celebrating America’s Farming Legacy in Greenville

Chase Wright to Sing National Anthem and Perform Free Post-Race Concert at Bommarito Group 500 to Honor First Responders

Hamilton County Fair Announces 2025 Schedule

Les Amis du Fort de Chartres Announces the 55th Annual Fort de Chartres Rendezvous

BOMMARITO AUTOMOTIVE GROUP 500 JUNE INDYCAR RACE WEEKEND SCHEDULE RELEASED

Soul Asylum, Cracker and Sponge to Headline Celebration of 66 Fest

Les Amis du Fort de Chartres sponsors Fort de Chartres Colonial Market Faire


Les Amis du Fort de Chartres sponsors Fort de Chartres Winter Rendezvous

Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Office of Tourism Respond to Visit Florida: “All are Welcome in Illinois!”

Neighborhood Co-op Grocery to Host Farm Crawl Fundraiser Saturday and Sunday, September 14-15

Discover Downstate Illinois Area Tourism Contributes to Record Tourism Growth in Illinois

21st Annual Wabash Valley Wine and Art Festival Announced

Illinois Destinations Association Announces Board of Directors

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES SCHEDULE FOR ENJOY ILLINOIS 300 NASCAR DOUBLEHEADER WEEKEND

U.S. AIR FORCE GENERAL MINIHAN NAMED GRAND MARSHAL FOR ENJOY ILLINOIS 300

Les Amis du Fort de Chartres announces the 54th Annual Fort de Chartres Rendezvous, June 1 & 2, 2024

MRF Roadshow Exhibit at Madison County History Museum

Heirloom & Native Plant Sale Announced

GOLDENRODS COMING TO DEMOULIN MUSEUM

LOCAL COMMUNITIES MAKE PREPARATIONS FOR APRIL 8 SOLAR ECLIPSE

Governor Pritzker Awards $3.3 Million in Grant Funding for Projects Along the Historic Route 66

Southern Illinois Farming Alliance

"Comic Invasion!" Show to Honor Educators on NYE

"Comic Invasion!" Show to Salute Our Country's Military

Gov. Pritzker Announces the Largest Class of Small Businesses Inducted into the Illinois Made Program

MCHS Hosts a Musical Dining in History in Highland

World Wide Technology Raceway’s third annual NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 set for Sunday, June 2, 2024

The DeMoulin Museum in Greenville, known for its tricks, has a full weekend of Halloween activities planned for later this month.

Fall Events at Carlyle Lake

Discover Downstate Illinois Area Tourism Contributes to Record Economic Growth in Illinois

Volunteers Needed for Public Service Project

End of Season Facility Closures at Carlyle Lake

Be the First to Hear Artists’ Stories at the Happy Hour Arts Reception

St. Louis’ KFNS-AM 590 “The Fan” to air Bommarito Automotive Group 500 INDYCAR race August 27 from World Wide Technology Raceway

Seventh annual Bommarito Automotive Group 500 INDYCAR Weekend August 26-27 at World Wide Technology Raceway

USAC Silver Crown Series testing concluded at World Wide Technology Raceway

Neighborhood Co-op Grocery Farm Crawl Set to Happen Early September


Loyet Collection Now Available Online

Gov. Pritzker Announces Record-Breaking Hotel Revenues in FY23 and Unprecedented Growth in Illinois Tourism

Discover Downstate Illinois Welcomes the City of Paris as Newest Community Partner

Stumpy’s Spirits Breaks Ground on New Venue in Columbia

Enjoy Illinois 300 Presented by TicketSmarter NASCAR Week Schedule

Les Amis du Fort de Chartres announces the 53rd Annual Fort de Chartres Rendezvous

Reserved camping spaces sold out for World Wide Technology Raceway’s June 2-4 Enjoy Illinois presented by TicketSmarter NASCAR Cup Series Weekend

Historical Society Presents Program on Armenian History

DeMoulin Museum Celebrating Photography Month

Woman-Owned Sawdust and Glitter Announces Move to Historic Lofts on the Square

Confluence Festival Lineup Announced

Confluence Festival Returns for a Second Year Featuring Award-Winning Dierks Bentley as Headliner


Olympic-medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee Named Grand Marshal of the 2nd Annual Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series Race

World Wide Technology Raceway Releases Drag Strip 2023 Schedule

Exploring the Mitchell Archaeological Site

You’re Invited to the Marion County Bicentennial Kick-off Program on January 24, 2023

Eagle Watch Event at Case-Halstead Library

Carlyle Lake USACE Campground Upgrades and Changes

Illinois Office of Tourism Celebrates Tourism Industry Achievements with Excellence in Tourism Awards


Old Fashioned German Christmas in Maeystown

Frauenabend "Ladies Night" Comes to Maeystown

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases 2022 Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide

Historial Society Launching Second Phase of Project

Belleville Christkindlmarkt to Host 9th Annual Open-Air German Christmas Market

Les Amis du Fort de Chartres Sponsors Fort de Chartres Winter Rendezvous

Tough Mudder obstacle course adventure event coming to World Wide Technology Raceway April 29-30, 2023

MEPRD Awards $3 Million in Grant Funding for Local Park, Trail Projects

NHRA Camping World Drag Race Series at World Wide Technology Raceway

Cedarhurst Launches a New Holiday Program, The Lights

SpeedTour Grand Prix Festival featuring Trans Am Series and Sportscar Vintage Racing Association coming to World Wide Technology Raceway in 2023

Gov. Pritzker Awards $106 Million in Grants through Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Program

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson to Compete in Bommarito Automotive Group 500 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race at WWTR

McLeansboro Kiwanis Club Announces Concert Lineup for McLeansboro 2022 Fall Festival

Sixth Annual NTT INDYCAR SERIES Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway

Madison County Historical Society Hosts Speaker Series about Genetic Geneaology

MEPRD Announces $3.4M in New Grant Opportunities

Vandalia Grand Levee Returns Friday

Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series Race is SOLD OUT

Richard Petty Day Kicks Off Inaugural NASCAR Cup Series Weekend at WWT Raceway

Confluence Festival Created to Celebrate Inaugural NASCAR Cup Series Weekend at WWTR

Marcoot Jersey Creamery Set to Host Annual Cheesefest Celebration


Les Amis du Fort de Chartres Hosts 52nd Annual Fort de Chartres Rendezvous

Enter To Win NASCAR Truck Series Tickets OR Gateway Grizzlies Tickets

St. Clair County Transit District and Madison County Transit to provide free shuttles to and from World Wide Technology Raceway’s Enjoy Illinois 300


Celebrate Museum Day in Greenville on May 7th


Southwestern Illinois Historical Societies Offer Cemetery Restoration Workshops


Southern Illinois Tourism Bureaus Celebrate the 'Future of Travel'


White County Farm Teams Up with Illinois Extension to Host Program on Hydroponic High Tunnel Production


Museum Gallery Opens at Madison County Archival Library

Groundbreaking 2022 Business Development Seminar April 6

Experience the Fort de Chartres State Historic Site Colonial Trade Faire and Musket & Rifle Frolic in April

NASCAR Cup Series Race at World Wide Technology Raceway Named 'Enjoy Illinois 300'

Teen Siblings Win World Wide Technology Raceway's 2021 Duell Enterprises Jr. Dragster Championships

Don't Miss World Wide Technology Raceway's Job Fairs Feb. 24 and 26

Kaskaskia Watershed Association's Annual Summit to be held in Carlyle March 7

World Wide Technology Raceway's Toyota 200 in June Announced as the First Leg of NASCAR Camping World Triple Truck Challenge Races

World Wide Technology Raceway’s 2022 Midnight Madness season begins March 18

St. Andrew's Book Fair Postponed to Feb. 25-26

View Live Bald Eagles at the "All About Eagles" event in Carlyle Jan. 29

Experience the French Colonial New Year's Eve Tradition of La Guiannee at Fort de Chartres

MCHS Recognized as Illinois Centennial Organization

World Wide Technology Raceway owner Curtis Francois named Comcast Community Champion of the Year

New Illinois State Historic Marker Dedication in Edwardsville Dec. 5

Witness Distillery of Vandalia Highlighted in the Annual Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide

Experience an Old-Fashioned German Christmas in Maeystown Dec. 5

Two Downstate Illinois Small Businesses Inducted into the Illinois Made Program

Illinois's First Freedom Rock Coming to Shiloh

WonderLight's Christmas Returns to World Wide Technology Raceway

Visit Downtown Belleville for the 19th Annual Art on the Square this Weekend

Experience the Fort de Chartres Winter Rendezvous and Woodswalk in November

Marcoot Jersey Creamery in Greenville to Host Fall Fest on the Farm in October

Celebrate the Leclaire Parkfest in Edwardsville Oct. 17

Vandalia Statehouse To Host Popular Grande Levee Event In October

Kaskaskia Cahokia Trail Gears Up For Road Rally


Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce Announces Summer Event for Local Businesses

UPDATE: Illinois Caverns to Reopen to the Public


King Kat Tournament Trail Travels to Carlyle

Weekend Activities at Carlyle Lake - June 11-13

Experience The French Colonial Garden Tour


Celebrate The 39th Annual Heritage Days In Okawville


Drink & Be Merry

Happy 200th Birthday

Made in Downstate Illinois 2021

Distance for Days

Roads to Roam

Livin' Large

Fantastic Farms

Bring an Appetite

Shopping Scene

Art & Culture

History Buffs Unite

Get Out and Play

Living Like the Locals

Four Days in Southwestern Illinois

Four Days in South Central Illinois

Four Days in Southeastern Illinois

Be Our Guest

Great River Road receives prestigious All-American Road Designation

Downstate Illinois Announces Personnel Changes


Three Local Counties Turn 200 Years Old In 2021

Fort de Chartres Announces Event Changes For 2021

Eagle Watch Event at General Dean Recreation Area

Local Small Business Featured in Statewide Holiday Gift Guide


Two Downstate Illinois Businesses Recognized By The Illinois Office Of Tourism

City of Belleville Announces Holiday Event Modifications


Go On A Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt In Columbia!


Marcoot Jersey Creamery to Host Drive-Thru Fall Fest

Highland To Host Scarecrow Search Art Walk


WWT Raceway Announces More News For August Races


The Edge Reopens in Belleville


Big News For Fort de Chartres

World Wide Technology To Host NASCAR And INDYCAR Events In August


Metro East Pride Fest Officially Cancelled For 2020

Support The Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra

Midwest Salute to the Arts Cancels 2020 Event


Balloon Fest to Promote Centralia Businesses


Gaetti Sports Academy Opening to Public


Gateway Grizzlies Hosting Drive-In Fireworks Show


DeMoulin Museum Reopening

Changes to Centralia Balloon Fest 2020

Women's Suffrage Explored in New Online Exhibit

Marcoot Jersey Creamery to Host Drive-Thru Cheesefest Event

National Travel & Tourism Week 2020 Celebrates "Spirit of Travel"

Les Amis du Fort de Chartres announces the 50th Annual Fort de Chartres Rendezvous Date Rescheduled to September 12 & 13, 2020

World Wide Technology Raceway launching Turbo Trivia game with Xcite Interactive

US Corps of Engineers Preventative COVID-19 Closure

World Wide Technology Raceway to be honored by Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois

MCHS Speaker Series: Elijah Lovejoy

Eagle Watch Event at Case-Halstead Library

World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway acquires Gateway National Golf Links, retains Walters Golf Management

Maeystown Old Fashioned German Christmas 2019

Fort de Chartres Winter Rendezvous & Woodswalk

Love is in the Air in Centralia Illinois

Crappie USA Travels to Carlyle Lake

Marshall Community Pool Open House/Ribbon Cutting

Litchfield Pickers Market Launches Fifth Season

National Travel & Tourism Week

Ariston Relighting Ceremony

Free Vessel Safety Check

Crappie USA Travels to Carlyle Lake

Maeystown Fruehlingsfest

Relighting of the Ariston Cafe' s Neon Sign & Window Acce

Eagle Watch Event at Case-Halstead Library

Picker's Market Registration Now Open

Historical Marker Dedicated to Irish-American Immigrant and Labor Organizer Mother Jones and her legacy

Made in Illinois presents award to Marcoot Jersey Creamery

Gateway Triathlon at Carlyle Lake

Seventeenth Annual Fruelingsfest

The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance is proud to announce the 2018 Illinois Bicentennial Wines

Illinois’ Bicentennial Event – Military Heritage Day in Waterloo, IL

Maesytown Fruehlingsfest

KMOV News Channel 4 is coming to Litchfield, IL

Meet INDYCAR, NHRA, ARCA/CRA champions at St. Louis Auto Show

Rt. 66 Road Ahead Partnership Announces Bill to Designate Rt. 66 A National Historic Trail Unanimously Passes Out of Committee

Eagle injured in April to be released at Lake

Eagle Watch Event at the Case-Halstead Library

Warm Your Bodies and Your Hearts with Hard Road Theatre

The Picker's Market is Coming Back to Litchfield in 2018

Lovable Coca-Cola Bear coming to Gateway Motorsports Park's Magic of Lights™ holiday lights experience December 15-16

Get Outside this Holiday Season

Tourism is Growing the State of Illinois

Solar Eclipse in Downstate Illinois

Made in Illinois presents award to Big Things in a Small Town



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Check out our calendar of events!
Songs4Soldiers

Songs4Soldiers

 September 5, 2025 - September 6, 2025 @ 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Bolm-Schuhkraft Park | Columbia, IL
Music at the Park: Bad Company Tribute

Music at the Park: Bad Company Tribute

 September 20, 2025 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Merchants Park Mount Carmel, IL | Mount Carmel, IL
Music at the Park: Fleetwood to the Max-Fleetwood Tribute Band

Music at the Park: Fleetwood to the Max-Fleetwood Tribute Band

 September 27, 2025 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Merchants Park Mount Carmel, IL | Mount Carmel, IL

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